At what age do dogs of bull breed stop growing. I believe that Rocky is about 10 months old. I had been told by most dog owners that dogs are full grown in height at 8 mos but fill out. Rocky still seems to be getting taller definately broader. He now weighs about 50lbs.

It seems dogs typically grow until around 1 year - 18mos, in height that is, then when they get done growing "UP" they grow "out" that is, fill out. I'd say until about 2 for an average size dog. Our younger GSD has grown taller and taller and finally filled out about 2-3 years of age.

Darn I was hoping he was done he is perfect size for me now. He is a shelter pup. Have no idea what he is or what his size will be. He just seems to be doing the most of growth the past 2 months. I think I will keep track of his measurments now and see if he gets any taller.

not that i know of. i have had rescues snipped at 8 weeks old grow to be larger then rufus, and i have had dogs snipped at 5 and 6 months old and be normal size and weight.. genetics has alot to do with the growth.

There was a discussion a while back about long bones and how the release and production of the testosterone or estrogen in dogs/bitches slows the growth of long bones or regulates it, or makes the growth plates close earlier than if the dog is s/n.
I found it very interesting. Yaeger is taller than the breed standard for GSDs and I always wonder, had we let him mature sexually if he would be closer to the standard for GSDs or if he'd be tall still since most BYB like to grow 'em bigger than the standard...

msvette2u wrote:There was a discussion a while back about long bones and how the release and production of the testosterone or estrogen in dogs/bitches slows the growth of long bones or regulates it, or makes the growth plates close earlier than if the dog is s/n. I found it very interesting. Yaeger is taller than the breed standard for GSDs and I always wonder, had we let him mature sexually if he would be closer to the standard for GSDs or if he'd be tall still since most BYB like to grow 'em bigger than the standard...

Yes, this was a very interesting topic I hadn't heard previously.

The 3 dogs I have had neutered at 6 months (whose lines all produced fairly predictable size) all 3 of them (1 male and 2 females ASTs and GSD) were considerably larger than typical for not only their line, but their breed. But their weight was average, and musculature was average-to-lean.
Luke, male 22" 60lbs. AST,
Alex, female 21" 55lbs. AST,
Kate, female 24+" 75lbs. GSD

Parents and lines of these dogs were generally within standard. Coincidence?

Either way, I am going to wait to neuter James until at least 8 mos., maybe a year depending on how he matures. Snip, snip, either way... and having that info HAS influenced my decision.

I HAVE noticed in agility (where we know the heights of the dogs), that the young neutered rotties I know are MUCH taller (and leaner) on average than the intact, or over 1 year neutered (stockier) dogs I know.

Are the taller dogs pet quality because of their size and this is the reason they are neutered? and 'standard' dogs kept intact? I doubt it. I know people DO breed bigger... but these dogs are from known lines.
Coincidence?

Sorry if this is off-topic, but I found it interesting. What are your experiences, by comparison?

"Pedigree indicates what the animal should be;
Conformation indicates what the animal appears to be;
But, Performance indicates what the animal actually is."
- author unknown